Molly Conlin, 18, previously played Dotty Cotton on the evening soap, and as her return was announced, fans were shocked to see a new face.
EastEnders famously changes their younger characters often, with a number of actors playing the likes of Bobby Beale, Ben Mitchell and Lauren Branning.
Although it’s normal for child actors to be replaced, Molly is reportedly not to happy about the axe.
Despite being hopeful she would return, she admitted she understands why it went to someone else – and the casting team did get in touch.
“Unfortunately, they wanted the new Dotty to go back and appear a lot older and be played by someone in their 20s”
Molly Conlin
Speaking to The Sun Online, she said: “They did approach me.
“Unfortunately, they wanted the new Dotty to go back and appear a lot older and be played by someone in their 20s.
“Of course I would have loved to return to EastEnders, but I believe everything happens for a reason.”
Dotty previously saw an evil side to her during her final days on the soap, where she took part in a plot to kill her grandmother, Dot Cotton.
OLDER: Molly admitted they wanted someone in their 20s (Pic: INSTAGRAM)
RETURN: Dotty is going to be returning to the soap (Pic: BBC)
She soon bailed, and turned on her dad, who helped her plot the murder, and tried to murder him.
Eventually, Dotty move away to the US, before heading over to Wales, before returning to Albert Square with Dot.
After getting cast in the role, new actress Milly Zero said: “I am honestly so excited to be playing Dotty Cotton and joining the E20 family.
“Especially playing alongside June Brown, who I have been watching on my telly since I was a young girl.”
NEWBIE: Milly Zero is playing the new character (Pic: BBC)
APPROACHED: Molly confirmed she knew the news was coming (Pic: INSTAGRAM)
She added: “Her and Dotty have such an interesting relationship to explore with a complicated history.
“I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.”
